Big fish, little fish: A few memories of catch and release in Naperville
Local fishing opportunities abound all around Lake Osborne, located just west of the Naperville Public Safety Center along Aurora Avenue and from the north along Oswego Road.
Ponds at May Watts Park and Commissioners Park as well as fishing piers along the Riverwalk and the DuPage River also provide shorelines, footbridges and many free opportunities to drop a line.
Whalon Lake in the Will County Forest Preserve is another good place to fish.
“Be patient and calm—for no one can catch fish in anger.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) 31st U.S. President
Click to view slideshow.
Undated PN photos date back to 2011. Imagine all the photos of anglers with fish we missed! Pictures posted June 17, 2024.
Fishing permitted throughout Naperville Park District
From sunrise to sunset, Naperville residents who enjoy recreational fishing (catch and release) can find a spot right here in Naperville with 19 parks that offer fishing in ponds, streams or rivers.
Bait that works ranges from night crawlers to slices of hotdogs to frozen corn. Sometimes wadded up bread has been tried with limited success. In early June 2024, folks along the path at May Watts Park suggested trying cicadas.
When budgets permit, Naperville Park District staff stocks ponds to create opportunities to learn fishing. Sometimes the pond at May Watts Park has benefited from grant programs through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Fishing teaches calm and patience as well as learning the difference between hooking a fish and wet trash.
Knoch Knolls Park
Sportsman’s Park
Hobson West Ponds
May Watts Park***
Commissioners Park
Lincoln Greenway
Riverwalk Park***
Pioneer Park
Weigand Park
Rock Ridge Park
Brighton Ridge Park
Westglen Commons
Winding Creek Park
Baileywood Park
Springbrook Crossings
Summerfield Lake Park
Ashbury Park
Brook Prairie
Tall Grass Lakes
***Pictured above
Fishing Licenses & Regulations at Naperville Parks
As a reminder, all state fishing regulations apply to fishing at Naperville Park District locations. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 needs a fishing license to fish in Illinois waters. Fishing licenses may be purchased through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources online or at local retail outlets.
Naperville Park District’s rules for fishing can be found in Section 2.19 of Ordinance 641.
Remember to follow Phase 4 Protocols that apply to parks and recreation.
Listing includes fishing ponds throughout Naperville parks. (PN File Photos)
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